Providing Financial Stability During And After Divorce

At Thomas & Thomas Attorneys At Law, we work hard to ensure that our clients have the proper alimony or spousal support award they need. With 30 years of experience, we know what it takes to provide you with the legal support you need to protect your immediate and long-term interests. Your financial security and stability is our primary concern.

Helping You Understand Alimony In Pennsylvania

Alimony in Pennsylvania includes two different types of alimony: pre-divorce alimony (alimony pendente lite) and postdivorce alimony. Each type of alimony is very different in nature:

Pre-divorce alimony, known as alimony pendente lite (APL), is filed for in connection with a divorce action. Unlike long-term alimony, there are few defenses to alimony pendente lite, except if the parties’ incomes are similar or there is a large amount of child support due. In Northampton County, this is capped at two years unless an extension is applied for and approved by the court. In Lehigh County, the two-year cap is not automatically applied by the court.

Postdivorce alimony is awarded after the parties are divorced, but is usually litigated or negotiated prior to the finalization of the divorce. The courts in Northampton and Lehigh counties apply a general rule of one year of alimony for every three years of marriage. There are several exceptions to this rule. For example, if a person receives a large divorce settlement, his or her postdivorce alimony award may be severely limited. If the person claiming alimony engaged in marital misconduct such as adultery, his or her claims may also be limited by the court.

We Will Help You Seek Alimony When You Need It

To file for pre-divorce alimony, our office will file your divorce action along with a claim for alimony. We also file for post-divorce alimony at this time. A conference is then scheduled in court to examine financial and employment/earnings information to determine what the correct amount of pre-divorce alimony should be awarded. We carefully prepare for these proceedings with our clients and review all records as needed, such as tax returns, W-2s, and income investment records.

If you are served with divorce papers which contain any financial claims, such as alimony or equitable distribution, you should immediately consult with an experienced alimony lawyer to make sure that your interests are protected.

Spousal Support Claims

Spousal support can be filed for without a divorce action. While the financial calculations are the same as for pre-divorce alimony, there are defenses available in spousal support claims that are not available for pre-divorce alimony, including adultery and abandonment. At our law firm, we review these spousal support claims carefully and create the best strategies for our clients depending upon their interests.

Contact Our Lehigh Valley Spousal Support Lawyers

Contact Thomas & Thomas Attorneys At Law today to schedule your case evaluation with one of our alimony lawyers. We are here to help ensure your alimony/spousal support concerns are effectively addressed. Call us today at 610-559-9271 to schedule your free consultation.

My attorney, Bruce Thomas, was knowledgeable, personable and honest. I was satisfied with and felt empowered by the results each and every time we went to court. I recommend Thomas & Thomas to all my friends and family.